THE CONTEXTUALIZATION OF AFFIRMATIVE-ACTION - A HISTORICAL AND POLITICAL-ANALYSIS

One purpose of this article is to chronicle the progression of affirma tive action. A second purpose is to show how affirmative action has be nefited all of society and not just a select few. The authors of this article move from a critique of the history of affirmative action to a n assessment of the current political climate. It is argued that a rol lback of affirmative action practices will have long-term effects on t he educational and job opportunities available to women and minorities , but more important, a rollback will seriously alter the playing fiel d and call into question the notion that ''all men are created equal.' '